Reviews

Simply amazing roles by the two main female characters. A fixer for a conglomerate family who is affected after a young aide is suspected of suicide after allegations of sexual assault by the son in law of the wealthy, powerful Eunsung group. She joins hands with the unglamorous but strong willed labor rights lawyer and defender of the people to get her running for Mayor of Seoul.

Plot twists and turns, roller coaster rides throughout this political drama reveals the heights of corruption which large conglomerates embroiled in. Their greed for power, control & greater wealth with no consideration nor gratitude to their staff who contribute to their status.

The two female protagonists are superb in their rules, pouring out their emotions during intense moments of anger, terror, disbelief, as they deal with the arrogant Eunsung Head of the family.

I am not much of a women power drama supporter, but decided to try and watch this one and got carried away by their performance of the whole cast in this series. 11 episodes in 2 amd a half days ! Perfect weekend!

An enthralling story of rags to riches to rags ... a suspense drama which kept me guessing till the end. I was slightly disappointed with the ending as the script writer appears to have 'thrown up his hands in despair' with how to do justice to such an amazing cast of actors. Every character developed through the entirety of the drama. My best Actor award goes to Lee Sung Min who portrayed the grandfather Jin - founder of the Soonyong empire. Wow! He was a hero, a villain, strict father, loving grandfather, the epitome of what patriarchy stands for - strong, unregretful, domineering, arrogant. I salute this actor and hope he did receive the recognition he so deserves.

I tried watching abut when I reached 3rd episode, I told myself Nooooooo ... no more torturing my emotions over this useless story.

I love JCW but watching this drama made me wonder why he or his manager were not more discriminate in selecting what would suit his style of acting

Pls go back to action movies. I also like the FC who I saw in My Demon lately - was backstreet rookie her early drama? Poor little actress. Don't think BR would have done anything for her credibility rating.

Don't have much more to say about this drama except it was disappointing- and this is only my opinion. I still like JCW ssi though and hope to see a better drama of his soon.

I was so into this revenge plot until midway when complexities became over compkex, FC became less likeable. Tho I have to take my hat off to NaEung. His good looks and steady persona gave hope to the drama's declining romantic scenes. His presence kept me watching till the end. I usually like the main FC but - geez! Did she lose weight deliberately for this drama ? She looked too emaciated and terribly unattractive. Hope she improves her body weight especially around her face.

The side characters - chef and sister of director, HR manager - were more interesting to watch as their characters evolved through the story.

And the ending... sigh.

What would you do if the world around you crumbled to dust and you had to find ways to survive wth members of your community? You have limited food, water, and no utilities. This movie kind of reminded me of Lord of the Flies except the residents here were adults who were supposed to be more mature and capable, able to make wise decisions. Desperate times brings out despair, aggression and selfishness in people. Humanity goes out the window whilst everyone tries to fight for survival. Why allow outsiders to live inside "our" apartments ? They looked down on us before ... petty, mean behaviours become obvious as fear becomes a huge factor for survival.

The ByungHun & SeoJin both give stellar performances as the 2 main characters in this story. Whether you would consider the team delegate to be a villain or hero, this is the viewer's personal preference as they go thro the movie. Things change quickly and horrifyingly and everyone's morals are called into question.

A tale which makes the viewer wonder - in a similar situation, what would I do? What extent would I go to protect myself and my family? Kill? Lock doors and keep inside? Not share? Not get involved?

I find it hard to respond to the questions myself. What about you ?

I watched this movie because of Gong Yoo ssi, one of my many favourite K-actors, and as a bonus, got to watch a young incredible actor Park Bo-Gum - beautiful talent, such amazing emotions fleeting across his face as a clone who realised he could never live in the real world as a normal human being, he was just a lab rat for rich, greedy millionaires nd organisations fighting for technology which would give them immortality.

Gong Yoo is of course, his usual incredible self, lifting up this story with his wonderful acting. Another worthy actor to note is Jo Woo-Jin as the vIllanous Nis agent who pursues the clone. I remember Woo-Jin ssi from Goblin and recently whilst watching the drama, Happiness. He is such a great support and character actor so far in the stories and I hope he gets recognised for his skills nd gets awarded appropriately by the acting guilds in Korea.

Young Park Bo-Gum, I shall follow more of his dramas and movies. Already a big fan after watching Seobok today. Wow!

PSJ is already such an incredibly versatile actor, but I swear he has taken his ability further up and beyond scale of 10. As a young, hotheaded highschool student to a young man out of prison for not committing a crime worth the at length of jail time; to a serious business owner of a pub, who treats his staff with care and respect - protecting them from horrible customers and the ever bullying JanggaCo.

I take my hats off to SJ ssi. He is just out of this world with his expressions, his intensity on screen - that sheer presence takes your breath away.

And wow! Who is this young actress Kim Da-Mi. She is exotic, cute, aggressive and superb in her role as DanBam Pub's Manager. She evolves in her role and brings out Jo Yi Seo's role to the forefront - a force to be reckoned with as she tries to protect her boss /crush/ love in her life from JanggaCo. I watched The Witch: part 1 -The Subversion - she is incredibly talented, this lady and I hope she gets more roles to showcase her variety of abilities and skills as an actress.

In IC it wasn't just the main characters but the whole cast - totally amazing as they each showed their skills in bringing this drama together as a classic case do the wealthy picking on small fry and trying to demean them, how a mentally strong character is required to push through an insurmountable challenge with sheer guts, obstinacy, stupidity (imho) like an elephant pushing though a forest filled with danger.

I love this drama and hope it gets credit where it's due.

Kudos to the cast, crew, producers, screenwriters, etc for such an awesome story.

Drama with some action and though not as fast paced as others, Cheadle played a convincing role as double agent/terrorist sympathiser for the cause. I have always liked this quiet and unassuming actor. I hope he gets recognised for his many roles one day soon.

Story slowly unravels and the plot thickens with multiple groups working together on a big plan to teach the American infidels a lesson. Is this revenge, religious fatwa, mere psycho attack ... who knows.

Too many 3-acronym agencies are involved - dirty hands or patriots ? Jeff bridges makes an appearance for about under 10 mins convincing the viewers of what they already guessed earlier in the story.

Watchable.

What an incredible drama to close 2023 with a bang, clash and whack!!! I could not stop watching and was impatient for each episode to come out by week.

Joo Hyuk, Ji-Tae, Jun-Hyuk meshed well together as avengers, law-abiding officer & serious but fun loving chaebol who decides to throw his gauntlet in with the crime fighter. Their screen presence is amazing and brings the whole story together with their male bonding as brothers - first at war with each other then, united to defeat the true criminals - the law breakers, the corrupt officials at every level of civil service.

Joi Hyuk ssi is portraying how capable he is as an actor given any role, he plays the character so realistically, almost merges into that role as if he were actually that person. In awe of his acting and hope to see him in more challenging roles. Ji-Tae is, of course, the sunbaenim here and shows his seniority and experience so easily and with such skill. I also like JunHyuk - seeing him for first time in this drama and hope to see more of him in others.

Overall - one classy end to 2023 for me.

Please ensure Season 2 starts in the new year. I just can't wait.

The more I watch Lee JongSuk, the more I am impressed and enraptured with his screen charisma and presence. All the emotions he draws out with his persona: amazing screen presence.

He is not overly handsome like other big artists, but he has this sweetness in his romance scenes where he shows gentleness and respect for the woman; embracing her in a comfortable, loving manner (which makes my heart pitter patter like mad).

He shows passion in both the romantic scenes as well as the action or comedy where he becomes one with the character and you can't tell that he is acting. He is just ... the character at that moment in time.

I have so far watched 2 of his dramas and looking forward to the next. He is amazing.

I almost stopped watching the series as the FC Aro was too inconsistent and pathetic. But the Hwarang group and their Nagdoos were great to watch as their characters evolved from episode to episode. I decided to watch this drama because of Taehyung and enjoyed his comical, gentle Character as everyone's little brother like persona. More or less what he is in real life.

A bit disappointed for PSJ ssi as he usually has strong MC roles and here he falls apart to a non sister pathetic FC. I had to forward the parts where she keeps crying ArrggH !

Hyunho Sik portrayed himself well as the Crown Prince in hiding. He had that charisma and strength of character to pull off the role. Going to watch him in a different drama to see if he is really good.

I sat to watch thinking it is another story of high school bullying just to pass my Sunday afternoon; turned out to be action packed with fights. Was surprised that the young actors put in quite a bit of effort into making the story work with the bullies showing their usual contempt for their juniors, airing their supremacy over their gang members because they had parents in high places.

This seems to be a real thing in Korea - bullies getting away with assault, sexual harassment and murder. How corrupt does the school system have to be to protect the guilty??????

I am amazed with the actors - Sehunn, Byeong Kyu, Bo Hyun Anh, Shin Hon Wo - who formed a friendship group to fight the bullies as they experience loss through death and constant harassment including targeting if their family members and girlfriends. Their affection for one another, embracing path of justice though society treads on them, they did well . I was able to empathise and thereby accept their acting abilities.

Maybe one day, the real world will wake up and help fight actual justice for the weak and innocent and not protect the wealthy upper class privileged.

What started as an innocent school story turned out to (for me) an emotional roller coaster ride. I thought the young actors - the high school students, were all amazing in their roles they played. If ever a joint award were to be given for best young actors portraying a team, the ATWL characters get my complete votes.

I was first taken by the story line as present, past and future continued to affect and impact the lives of these high school students who enjoyed life as best friends, who wanted to protect their friends and families from bullying and prejudices in society, who had to deal with illness, death, grief at a very young age. How everything in life affected them, made them mature, made them grow as young people in this world.

Why is it a roller coaster ride for me? Because the topic of family love - so pure, so tender, so gentle that enveloped JunHee - unconditional affection by both his grandma and his best friend, Ko You. Both were always there for JunHee no matter what.

The introduction of the young So Heon was akin to adding a catalyst amidst the youngsters to test their friendship and love. I have to say, I was quite affected by moments of such maturity from the young kids and wondered where our real world went wrong in terms of actual life, affection and unselfishness.

I think this drama needs to be credited more fir it's storyline, characterisation and amazing acting spirit if the entire cast.

Storyline is not much but the romance between the MC & FC is lively and cute. Enjoyed watching LJH for the first time. Hope to watch more drama with him in them.

Story is based on a hotel where big sister is the managing Director and younger brother returns from overseas to play thus part. He meets a young and energetic concierge who dreams to be the best concierge she can be. Their lives intertwine and things start happening to them and around them, impacting their daily lives.

I enjoyed the constant battle and let's be friends afterwards - story line.

Rich or poor - love makes the world go around.

Watch this and judge for yourself what an incredible story this is. The characters are well written and acted and punchline for bullying and harassment just blows your mind. This isn't a thriller, but the cast, screenplay writer and director really should receive recognition for their amazing work.

What would you do if you were bullied all your school life, or you witnessed another being bullied in front of you but couldn't do anything about it?

Would you pretend not to notice and leave the poor helpless victim to be a punching bag for bullies? Can you live with your conscience by walking away from it all?

Love this handsome young actor Jehoon and hope he goes on to greater things in life.

What a versatile, energetic, charismatic actor! Love him and his motley crew who go about helping people who have been harassed, trodden on, belittled, scammed, ...

I thought TD2 would be less interesting but hey! I was on the edge of my seat through it all. I hope there will be a 3rd season as the team has so much to offer and I, for one, would like to watch more if Jehoonie's ever changing expressions as he goes from being serious to comical to aggressive to pathetic to compassionate to angry to gentle to ... I also like the way he puts on this jaunty walk in the first season whenever he is commences a case.

Jehoon si, fighting!

If you are a fan of Lee Dong Wook and think he only acts calm, collected, sexy characters, you have to watch this to see him in a totally different perspective as a smart yet corrupt team leader of a crimes unit in the police force, Sool Yeol! Loved him in this and hope to see him in more such action dramas.

Ja Hoon is amazing as the counter personality K. He is constantly egging on Sool Yeol to break him out of his comfort zone and chase after justice, not simply kow tow to his superiors at work

Interesting perspectives of corruption practices revealed in this drama as well as amazing actors and actresses, heaps of fun and laughter. Kind of reminded me of Will Smith's Bad Boys.

Taecyong is brilliant as always. Ever since I watched this young man as a villain in Vincenzo, I started seeking out his other dramas and am chuffed by his natural acting, his wonderful English - so far the best English speaking K-actor, his demeanour and smiles. Then I found out he also sings and dances - such talent, great looks, wonderful acting skills. He has got it all.

In Blind, he is Sung Jun, the adopted son of a judge with an older brother who is also a judge and a mum who is about to become an assemblywoman - no pressure, kiddo. He becomes part of the Violent crimes Unit which investigates a recent spate of murders. When a so called perpetrator is caught, he points his finger at Sung Jun and says he is the murderer.

The suspense begins as SJ tries to clear his name - not only with the public, but with his team mates and his upright family.

Scenes are shown at the beginning of each episode of a group of young boys being physically abused by a group of military men. The abused kids try to escape several times and are beaten almost to death. How that past abuse affected the future is slowly unravelled.

I really liked the Director/writer's style of tying the stories this way. It was horrifying watching young kids being tortured and beaten, but in reality, there are children and adults both men and women who are subjugated to such abuse and even worse. This is what I like about Korean dramas and movies, such horrific human behaviour is put out there without any of the western style touchy feely sentiments. Watch this! !

Taecyong has not even unleashed his full acting abilities in this. I am still watching you, young man. I hope to see you rise even higher.

Until the horribly disappointing ending ... wtf!

But seriously, if not for that ending, I would give it 10/10

So exciting and fast paced, akin to Bourne movies. The MC is my favourite. His tenacity, skills completely captured me from the beginning. Wow! I watched him in another Kdrama as a rather depressed lawyer in love with his highschool sweetheart, never expected him to turn into a full fledged action crazed, fighting demon. Love his varying skills and hope to watch more of his dramas or movies.

To return to the story itself, why why why, Mr Director??? What's with the crap ending?

Sigh!

I enjoyed the first 2 seasons of Chicago Med but then the focus became the mindless bed hopping by the various doctors and nurses, the worst being DeVitto whose character appears wishy washy especially in her relationships; she also seems utterly incompetent and unprofessional in the way she conducts herself with patients, considering she is a paediatrician. God save our children!! Sigh! Kill her off already!

Between Chicago PD and a Chicago Fire, my week is filled with thrilling entertainment provided by first rate actors. They are so attuned with one another that they bring the action alive. Love the whole cast. Keep it going!!

What a wonderful cast in this series! They have all performed their parts to such a high degree that it was Difficult to separate the actor/tress from their characters.

I am so impressed especially with Julia Garner and Laura Linney. Julia has beautifully brought out the toughness and yet vulnerability of her character, Ruth Langmore. I have not seen her in any other movies or TV series, but her role in Ozark is superb! I do hope she wins a fitting award.

Laura Linney used to be stereotyped as the watered down mum type but in Ozark, the dire circumstances which keeps pushing the family down a dark hole, Laura has proven her ability to thumb out that stereo type peg she was placed in and rise up as the protective matriach and skilful political manouverist of her character, Wendy.

I have known Jason since his acting career started and I an lost inoressed with how far he has cone.

This series will keep you in your seat and wanting to know what happens next.